Dynamic Game Management of Video Lottery Terminals and a Method and System for Providing Thereof

ABSTRACT

A system and method for remotely controlling a wagering gable terminal are provided. The system may include an input device configured to receive a user input indicative of a user selection of a game terminal setting and a trigger condition. The system may also include a processor in communication with the input device, the processor configured to produce a terminal command signal based on the user selection received by the input device, and responsive to an occurrence of the trigger condition, to cause the terminal command signal to be transmitted to the terminal. The system may include a display in communication with the processor, the display configured to display a graphical user interface showing a schedule for terminal setting changes which is based at least in part on the user selection received by the input device.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Officepatent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/858,735, filed Nov. 13, 2006, the entire contents of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

A slot machine is a type of game of chance, often offered in casinos orother locations in jurisdictions with legal gambling. Mechanical reelmachines are, coin-operated machines with three or more reels, each reelincluding, a plurality of symbols. The reels spin when a lever on theside of the machine is pulled. The Machine accepts a wager from a playerand spins the reels. The machine typically pays out a prize based on apattern of symbols depicted on the reels visible on the front of themachine when the reels stop.

A video slot machine replaces the reels with a video display, such as aCRT or LCD display. The display simulates the reels of a mechanical reelmachine by displaying a plurality of elements. Each element may depict asymbol and the elements may be animated to simulate spinning reels aftera lever on the side of the machine is pulled. For example, a video slotMachine may be a video lottery terminal (VLT).

A bonus is a special feature of some slot machines, and may be activatedafter a bonus trigger condition occurs. For example, the bonus triggercondition may be when certain symbols appear in a pre-defined bonuscombination. The bonus trigger condition may also be an appearance of aspecial bonus trigger symbol.

When the bonus trigger condition occurs at the slot machine, a bonus maybe awarded. For example, the player may be presented with several itemson a screen from which to choose. As the player chooses items, aquantity of credits is revealed and awarded. Another bonus may use amechanical device, such as a spinning wheel, that works in conjunctionwith the bonus to display the amount won. Other bonuses include freespins or other extended play features.

A video gaming Machine is an automated kiosk or terminal with an inputand an output configured to provide a video game to a player. The videogaming machine may be in communication with a server over a network. Thevideo gaming machine may be configured to provide games of chance to theplayer and allows the player to bet on the outcome of a video game.Games of chance may include video slots, video poker, video keno, videolottery, or other conventional games of chance.

Video keno is similar to a conventional keno game, but configured to beprovided over a video gaming machine to a single player. Conventionalkeno is a lottery-like or bingo-like gambling game played at casinos andbingo halls. A player chooses anywhere from 1 to 20 player numbers andmarks them on a keno ticket of 80 numbers (1 to 80). The casino thendraws 20 winning numbers at random. The player is awarded a prize basedon his wager and how many player numbers match the winning numbers.Video keno allows the player to choose a set of player numbers from avirtual keno ticket of 80 numbers displayed at the video keno machine.The video keno machine then picks 20 winning numbers at random, and theplayer wins a prize based on how many player numbers match the winningnumbers.

Video poker is similar to a conventional poker game, but configured tobe provided over a video gaming machine to a single player. Video pokerinvolves displaying a plurality of simulated poker cards to a player.The player may have the option to discard a quantity of the simulatedpoker cards, and replacement cards may be dealt to the player. A valueof the resulting hand may determine a prize to be awarded to the player.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example procedure for providing a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example system for providing a dynamic gamemanagement system, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example terminal, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of the present invention includes a flexible graphicaluser interface application for controlling a plurality of video lotteryterminals and scheduling game terminal setting changes. For example, agame terminal setting change may involve changing a pay table, a theme,or a denomination used at a terminal. Game terminal setting changes mayalso be triggered by events, such as a prize being awarded at aterminal. The application may also provide alerts from the terminals,for example, when terminal peripherals require maintenance or repair.The application may also provide theoretical and actual hold percentagesof the terminals for a specified time period, based on the actual gameterminal settings in the past or scheduled game terminal settings in thefuture.

One example embodiment of the present invention is a system for remotelycontrolling a wagering game terminal. The system may include an inputdevice configured to receive a user input indicative of a user selectionof a game terminal setting and a trigger condition; a processor incommunication with the input device, the processor configured to producea terminal command signal based on the user selection received by theinput device, and responsive to an occurrence of the trigger condition,to cause the terminal command signal to be transmitted to the terminal;and a display in communication with the processor, the displayconfigured to display a graphical user interface showing a schedule forterminal setting changes which is based at least in part on the userselection received by the input device. The processor may be furtherconfigured to receive a terminal status of the terminal, and the displayis further configured to display the terminal status to the user. Theterminal status may include peripheral notifications of the terminal.The trigger condition may be a start time. The trigger condition may bean event occurrence. The event may be a status change of the terminal.The game terminal setting may include a pay table selection, a wageringgame theme selection, and a denomination selection for use at theterminal. The game terminal setting may include a desired music volumeand a music selection of the terminal. The terminal command signal maybe transmitted responsive to transmitting the terminal command signal toa supervisor for review, and receiving an authorization from thesupervisor. The processor may be further configured to request anauthorization from a supervisor prior to transmitting the terminalcommand Signal, wherein the supervisor is not the user. The processormay also be further configured to download components to the gameterminal, when the terminal command signal switches the terminal to asetting for which the terminal is missing components. The system mayfurther comprise: a plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminalsincludes at least one subset of terminals, and each terminal of thesubset switches its setting responsive to receiving the terminal commandsignal. The processor may be further configured to, responsive to a userrequest, calculate a theoretical hold value and an actual hold value forthe terminal over a specified time period. The input device and displayare part of a mobile wireless device. The mobile wireless device is incommunication with the processor via a wireless network. The schedule isdepicted as a multi-dimensional graphical representation with an axisrepresenting time and another axis representing terminal settings. Thegraphical user interface may include a representation of a timeline, andthe user may input a begin time by selecting a time on therepresentation. The graphical user display may include a representationof game terminal settings and the user may input the game terminalsetting by selecting settings on the representation. The processor maybe further configured to cause a default command signal to betransferred to the terminal responsive to an ending trigger condition.The ending trigger condition may be an end time.

Another example embodiment of the present invention is a method forremotely controlling a wagering game terminal. The method may include:responsive to receiving a user input indicative of a user selection of agame terminal setting and a trigger condition, producing a terminalcommand signal based on the user selection; responsive to an occurrenceof the trigger condition, causing the terminal command signal to betransmitted to the terminal; and displaying a graphical user interfaceshowing a schedule for terminal setting changes which is based at leastin part on the user selection and trigger condition received by theinput device. The method may further include receiving terminal statusinformation from the terminal; and displaying the terminal statusinformation with on the graphical user interface. The terminal statusincludes peripheral notifications of the terminal. The trigger conditionmay be a start time. Alternatively the trigger condition may be an eventoccurrence. The event may be a status change of the terminal. The gameterminal setting may include a pay table selection, a wagering gametheme selection, and a denomination selection for use at the terminal.The game terminal setting may include a desired music volume and a musicselection of the terminal. The method may further comprise: transmittingthe terminal command signal to a supervisor for review; receiving anauthorization from the supervisor; and transmitting the terminal commandsignal responsive to receiving the authorization from the supervisor.The method may further comprise: prior to transmitting the terminalcommand signal, request an authorization from a supervisor, wherein thesupervisor is not the user. The method may further comprise: downloadingmissing components to the terminal responsive to receiving the terminalcommand signal when the terminal command signal switches the terminal toa setting for which the terminal is missing components. The method mayfurther comprise: transmitting the terminal command signal to a subsetof terminals within a plurality of terminals, wherein each terminal ofthe subset switches its setting responsive to receiving the terminalcommand signal. The method may further comprise: calculating atheoretical hold value and an actual hold value for the terminal over aspecified time period; and displaying the theoretical and actual holdvalues to the user. The user input is received and the graphical userinterface is displayed at a mobile wireless device. The schedule isdepicted as is depicted as a multi-dimensional graphical representationwith an axis representing time and another axis representing terminalsettings. The graphical user interface may include a representation of atimeline, and the user selection of a trigger condition is received whenthe user selects a begin time by selecting a time on the representation.The graphical user display includes a representation of game terminalsettings and the user selection of the game terminal setting is receivedwhen the user selects settings on the representation. The method mayfurther comprise: responsive to an ending trigger condition, causing aterminal command signal to be transmitted to the terminal. The endingtrigger condition may be an end time.

Another example embodiment of the present invention is a computerreadable medium including instructions configured to be executed on aprocessor, so that the processor performs the steps of a method forremotely controlling a wagering game terminal, comprising: responsive toreceiving a user input indicative of a user selection of a game terminalsetting and a trigger condition, producing a terminal command signalbased oh the user selection; responsive to an occurrence of the triggercondition, causing the terminal command signal to be transmitted to theterminal; and displaying a graphical user interface showing a schedulefor terminal setting changes which is based at least in part on the userselection and trigger condition received by the input device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. The dynamic game management application may beconfigured to control a plurality of terminals from a server. Forexample, a terminal may be configured to provide a wagering game to aplayer and be a VLT as depicted in FIG. 8. The terminals and the servermay be in communication as depicted in FIG. 7. Each terminal may includea game terminal setting which determines the wagering game it offers.The application may be used by a user to change the game terminalsettings of the terminals, either presently or scheduled in the future.

A game terminal setting of a terminal may be changed with a game switch.A game switch may be a new terminal setting and a trigger conditioninputted by the user. The game switch may be inputted through theapplication and transmitted from the server to the terminal foractivation. When a game switch is activated, for example, when thetrigger condition occurs, the terminal may change its setting inaccordance with the game switch. For example, the game switch mayspecify a new theme, pay table, and denomination to use on the terminal.If the terminal lacks the necessary software-components, it may downloadthe components from the server.

If two or more game switches are active at once, a conflict resolutionmechanism may be used to determine which game switch to execute on theterminals. In an example embodiment, a more recently inputted gameswitch may be used. In another example embodiment, a default game switchmay be used. In another example embodiment, each game switch may beassociated with a priority value, and the highest priority valued gameswitch may be used.

It will be understood that the application as depicted in FIGS. 1-5 isone embodiment creating a game switch. Alternative embodiments withgraphical user interfaces or command line interfaces are also possible.

The main display 100 displays a view of options available to the user.Tab 102 may activate a switch details view, as depicted in 100. Tab 104may activate a job summary view, as later described in FIG. 5.

The switch details view may describe a switch configured by the user.For example, a game switch may include a terminal setting change and atrigger condition when the change is to be activated. For example, thetrigger condition may be a time window with a start and end time.

A date input 108 and a date range 110 may allow a user to select thedate and date range for which to display game terminal setting changesof the terminals. For example, game terminal setting changes may bedisplayed in a game terminal setting activation diagram 142, describedbelow.

A filter criteria section 112 may allow the user to input filtercriteria when viewing the game terminal setting activation diagram 142.Filtering criteria may include a vendor 114 of the terminal and a model116 of the terminal. By selecting filtering criteria, the user may electto only view those terminals fulfilling the, filtering criteria. Clearfilter button 118 may clear any filtering criteria selection, while theOK button 120 may enable filtering based on the filtering criteria, ifany.

Job description 122 may be a text box for receiving a text descriptionof the current job from the user. The current job may include all thegame terminal setting changes inputted by the user, as displayed in thegame terminal setting activation diagram 142.

The game terminal setting activation diagram 142 may include a terminalgroup explorer 124. The terminal group explorer 124 may display terminalgroups to the user in a hierarchical manner. For example, the terminalmay be divided into zones 126 and 128. Each zone may include banks ofterminals. It will be understood that terminals may be grouped in anydesired combination, either from geographical proximity, terminalcharacteristics, operator, or any other characteristic. Terminalcharacteristics may include make and model of the terminal, availablegames on the terminal, or other characteristics.

In the window 100, it can be seen that gaming device 1 includes gameswitches 130, 132, and 134. Each game switch may be associated with atrigger condition, for example, a time window, depicted in the timewindow display 144. For example, the time window display 144 may displaya 24-hour period or any other time period as selected by the date range110. Game switch 130 may be associated with a time window 146. Timewindow 146 spans the entire time range of the time window display 144.For example, game switch 130 maybe a default game switch for gamingdevice 1. Game switch 132 has an authorized time window 148 and anunauthorized time window 150. Each, game switch inputted into theapplication may require authorization from a supervisor, for example, apit boss at a casino, before being authorized. In one embodiment, onlyauthorized game switches may be executed on terminals. Thus,unauthorized game switches may be displayed but never executed untilthey are authorized by the supervisor. Game switch 134 may be associatedwith a time window 152.

As can be seen, it is possible for a terminal to have multipleauthorized time windows that overlapped. As described above, there maybe conflict resolution modules for deciding Which game switch toactivate in this case.

Similarly, gaming devices 136, 138, and 140 may include associated gameswitches, viewable when the user expands, the associated gaming deviceentry. Gaming device 136 may be associated with an authorized timewindow 154 and an unauthorized time window 156. Unauthorized timewindows may become authorized time windows after being authorized by thesupervisor. For example, depicted time windows in the time windowdisplay 144 may provide information on the game switch responsive to auser input, for example, when a mouse cursor hovers over the timewindow.

The time window display 144 may include a scroll bar 158 that allows theuser to scroll before and after the depicted time frame. The time windowdisplay 144 may include a legend 160, which depicts the colorsassociated with an authorized time window and an unauthorized timewindow.

In an alternative embodiment, a game switch may be activated responsiveto events. For example, a game switch may be activated after a certainnumber of plays have occurred at a terminal, a certain amount of prizeshave been awarded, or when terminals in a group are simultaneously beingplayed by players.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. A create new one-time game switch window 200 may bedisplayed responsive to the user selecting to create a new one-time gameswitch. The window 200 may include a window title 202 (“Game Switch.Schedule”) and a set of window manipulation icons 204 (minimize,maximize, and close window). A game switch may include a game terminalsetting and a trigger condition, such as a time window during which theterminal setting is active. The game switch may be associated with asubset of a plurality of terminals in communication with the server. Thegame switch may be activated on a terminal during the time window,replacing a previous game terminal setting.

The window 200 may include a game switch details section 206. Thedetails section 206 may include a description 208, where the user mayinput a text description of the new game switch. The details section 206may include a software version 210, which may be automatically filled inby the system with the software available on the terminals beingprogrammed. The details section 206 may include a vendor 212, which maybe automatically filled in by the system with the vendor of theterminals being configured.

The details section 206 may include a theme column 214 which includes atheme field 216. Multiple theme fields may be available. The theme field216 may receive a user input of a theme for the game switch. The detailssection 206 may include a hold percentage column 218 which includes ahold percentage column 220. The hold percentage column 220 may receive auser input of a hold percentage for the game switch. The hold percentagecolumn 220 may display available hold percentages based on available paytables at the terminal. In this example embodiment, each pay table maybe approved by an appropriate regulatory agency and be associated with acorresponding hold percentage. The details section 206 may include adenomination column 222 which includes a denomination field 224. Thedenomination field 224 may receive a user input of a denomination forthe game switch.

In addition, the details section 206 may include other fields. Forexample, a pay table field may receive a user input of what pay table touse in the game switch. A music field may receive a user input of whatmusic to use in the game switch.

It will be appreciated that the user may elect to not input all detailsin the details section 206. For example, the user may elect to changethe denomination in a game switch to a higher denomination among a groupof terminals during a time window, each of which may have a differentactive pay table and theme.

A game switch type 226 may receive a user input of what type of gameswitch to input. For example, game switches may he a one-time gameswitch, described here, a recurring game switch, described in FIG. 3, ora default game switch, described in FIG. 4.

A one-time game switch schedule section 228 may be displayed when theuser selected to create a one-time game switch in game switch type 226.The one-time game switch may include a switch begin time 230 and aswitch end time 232. The begin time 230 and end time 232 may define atime window during which the game switch will be active. During thistime period, the game switch defined by the theme field 216, the holdpercentage field 220, and the denomination field 224 will be active onthe specified terminals. Other fields may also define the game switch,as described above.

The OK button 234 receives a player input to create the one-time-gameswitch as described in the window 200. The cancel button 236 receives aplayer input to cancel the creation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a third example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. A create new recurring game switch window 300 may bedisplayed responsive to the user selecting to create a new recurringgame switch. The window 300 may include a window title 302, a set ofwindow manipulation icons 304; a details section 306, a description 310,a software version 312, a vendor 314, a theme-column 316, a theme field318, a percentage hold column 320, a percentage hold field 322, adenomination column 324, a denomination field 326, and a game switchtype 328. These features may be similar to 202 to 226 of FIG. 2,respectively. The window 300 may include a devices affected field 308,which may be a quantity of devices that will be affected by the gameswitch, as determined by the system.

The window 300 may include a game switch schedule section 330. The gameswitch schedule section 330 may provide options for the user to specifywhen the recurring game switch will recur. The section 330 may include arecurrence begin time 332 and a recurrence end time 334. The user mayinput when the recurrence will begin and end. It will be understood thatthe recurrence end time 334 may be left blank if the recurrence is torecur indefinitely.

The switch time section 336 may provide options for the user to specifythe time window during which the game terminal setting change will beactive. For example, the time window may be every weeknight from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m., indefinitely. A checkbox 338 indicates which day of the weekthe time window is valid. A day of week description 340 indicates whichday is being selected. A begin time 342 may receive a begin time for thetime window of the respective date. End time section 344 may indicatewhen the time window is to end, with a day of week selector 346 and anend time input 348.

The OK button 350 receives a player input to create the recurring gameswitch as described in the window 300. The cancel button 352 receives aplayer input to cancel the creation.

FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. A create new default game switch window 400 may bedisplayed responsive to the user selecting to create a new default gameswitch. A default game switch may set on the terminals absent any gameterminal setting change. The window 400 may include a window title 402,a set of window manipulation icons 404, a details section 406, adescription 408, a software version 410, a vendor 412, a theme column414, a theme field 416, a percentage hold column 418, a percentage holdfield 420, a denomination column 422, a denomination field 424, and agame switch type 426. These features may be similar to 202 to 226 ofFIG. 2, respectively.

A game switch type 428 in a game switch schedule type section 426 mayreceive a user input of what type of game switch to input, as describedabove. The default game switch may be associated with a switch time 430,from when the default game switch will be used on all terminals.

The OK button 432 receives a player input to create the default gameswitch as described in the window 400. The cancel button 434 receives aplayer input to cancel the creation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth example screen shot of a dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. A job summary view 500 may be displayed responsive toa user selecting a job summary tab 504. Responsive to the user selectingthe switch details tab 502, a switch details view may be displayed, asdescribed above.

The job description view 500 may include jab descriptions 506 and 516.Each job description maybe a game switch inputted into the application.Sub features within each job description may be expanded through anexplorer view in the job summary view 500. A sub job 508 may include an“authorize by” date, for example, 24 hours before the game switch'sassociated time window starts. This time may be modified depending onsystem requirements and time required to propagate the game switch toall terminals. A job description may include a summary of the games 510affected by the game switch, a schedule 512 for the game switch With abegin and end time, and a list of affected devices 514.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example procedure for providing dynamic gamemanagement application, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. The procedure may execute on a server in a system asdepicted in FIG. 7. In one example embodiment, the procedure may executeon a mobile wireless device in communication with the server. It will beunderstood in the description of this figure that all inputs to andoutputs from the server may also be provided from the mobile wirelessdevice. The procedure may be configured to provide an application tomanage a plurality of VLTs from a server, for example, scheduling gameterminal setting changes, viewing peripheral status, and calculatingactual and theoretical hold percentages of the terminals.

In 602, the server may receive a user input including a selection of agame terminal setting and a trigger condition. The game terminalsettings may be intended to replace a current game terminal setting on aterminal when the trigger condition occurs. The terminal may be one of aplurality of terminals in communication with the server. The terminalmay be a VLT and as depicted in FIG. 8. The game terminal settings mayinclude, for example, a pay table, a music volume level, a theme, and adenomination in use by the terminal.

In an alternative embodiment, the trigger condition may be an eventoccurrence. The event may be a change in status of a terminal.

In 604, the server may produce a terminal command signal from the userinput received in 602. For example, the user input may include a themeselection, a denomination, a pay table selection, or any othercharacteristic of the terminal. The terminal command signal mayincorporate only changes in the terminal setting. The terminal commandsignal may be configured to change game terminal settings on a targetterminal.

The user input may be displayed in a graphical user interface depictingscreen shots as described in FIGS. 1-5. The user input may be depictedas Gantt diagrams, with time on one axis and terminal settings onanother axis.

In 606, the server may optionally display a status of the terminal. Thestatus may include, for example, peripheral notifications such aspaper-low or paper-out notifications, failure notifications, terminalspaying out prizes, and firmware and hardware information of theterminal. For example, a notification may be displayed if a status mayinterfere with terminal operations, such as paper-low, so that the usermay maintain the terminal in working order.

In 608, the server may optionally wait for supervisor authorization ofthe user selection of a game terminal setting and a trigger conditionreceived from the user in 602. The supervisor may be different from theuser. The terminal command signal may first be transmitted to thesupervisor for review. An authorization may be required before the gameswitch is executed at the terminal. In this example embodiment, a usermay have primary responsibility of inputting the user selection of agame terminal setting and a trigger condition, while a supervisor suchas a pit boss or floor boss has supervisory responsibility of approvingany changes.

In 610, the server may test whether the trigger condition has occurred.For example, the trigger condition may be a start time of a time window.If it has, the server may modify the game terminal setting of theterminal in 612 to reflect the user selection of a game terminal settingand trigger condition by transmitting the terminal command signal to theterminal. It will be appreciated that the testing of the triggercondition may also occur at the terminal.

In another embodiment, the system may include a plurality of wageringgame terminals. Each wagering game terminal may belong to a subset ofthe plurality. The server may send a terminal command signal to eachterminal within a subset, thus changing the settings of all terminalswithin the subset.

In another embodiment, the system may wait for a specified conditionbefore transmitting the terminal command signal. For example, the systemmay wait for the terminal to be idle for a predefined period of timebefore transmitting the terminal command signal. In another example, thesystem may wait for a group of terminals to be idle before transmittingthe terminal command signal to all terminals in the group. It will beappreciated that certain terminal settings may be changed regardless ofterminal idle state, such as music volume.

In 614, the terminal may download missing software components. If theterminal requires software components to execute the setting changewhich are not yet installed on the terminal, the terminal mayautomatically download the required components from a file server, whichmay he the server. The download may occur when the user selection of agame terminal setting is first inputted by the user, when the userselection of a game terminal setting is first authorized by thesupervisor, when the user selection of a game terminal setting istransmitted to the terminal, when the user selection of a game terminalsetting is executed on the terminal, or at any time before the gamecomponents are required by the terminal to provide the wagering game toa player.

In 616, the server may optionally receive a user request to calculate atheoretical and actual hold percentage of the terminal. In 618, theserver may optionally make the required calculations. The theoreticalhold percentage may be a time-weighted average of all pay tables activeor scheduled to be active on the terminal. The actual hold percentagemay be a percentage calculated from a wager received at the terminal andprizes awarded from the terminal. The calculated values may be displayedto the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example system for providing a dynamic gamemanagement system, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention. The system may include a server 700 in communicationwith a plurality of terminals, for example, terminal A 714, terminal B716, terminal C 718, and terminal D 720, over a network 712. Forexample, the terminals may be configured to provide wagering games toplayers and similar to the video lottery terminal depicted in FIG. 8.Each terminal may be pre-loaded with a plurality of games and include agame terminal setting, which determines a current game offered toplayers on the terminal. Each game may include a pay table, a theme, anda denomination. The game terminal setting of each terminal may bechanged from the terminal or from the server 700.

The terminals may be organized into banks, pits, rows, or other groups.For example, the terminals may be grouped depending On business andadministration needs. The terminals may be located in a gamingestablishment such as a casino, a lounge, a bar or restaurant, or anyother establishment where wagering game terminals are allowed. Theterminals may be distributed across multiple establishments located in ageographical locale or jurisdiction.

For example, the network 712 may be the Internet, a private network, avirtual private network, a wide area network, or any other networkconfigured to carry communications. The network 712 may carrycommunications between the server 700 and the terminals. For example,the communications may be encrypted or otherwise secured.

The server 700 may be located in a central location to the terminals.The server 700 may be in communication with and control the terminalsover the network 712. The server 700 may receive inputs from a userregarding desired changes to terminal setting. Each terminal settingchange may be associated with a trigger condition. The terminal settingchange may be activated when the trigger condition occurs. The terminalsetting change may include changes to the pay table, theme, anddenomination of a terminal.

In one embodiment, each game terminal setting change is stored at theserver 700 and transmitted to a corresponding terminal when the triggercondition occurs, where the terminal setting is modified. In anotherembodiment, each game terminal setting change is immediately transmittedto the corresponding terminal when entered and approved, if necessary,at the server 760. The terminal will then activate the terminal settingchange when the trigger condition occurs.

The server may include a processor 702 configured to execute theprocedure depicted in FIG. 6. The processor may be in communication witha display 706. The display 706 may be configured to provide output to auser and display screen shots as depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5. For example,the display 706 may be a CRT, a LCD, an LED screen, or any other deviceconfigured to display output to the user. The server 700 may include anetwork interface 708 configured to interface between the processor 702and the network 712. The server 700 may include an input device 710 forreceiving input from the user. For example, the input device 710 may bea keyboard, a pointing device, or any other device configured to receivean input from the user and transmit the input to the processor 702. Theserver 700 may include a wireless interface 704. For example, thewireless interface 704 may be configured to wirelessly communicate witha mobile device.

The system may include a wireless device 722. For example, the wirelessdevice 722 may be carried by the user while moving among the terminals.For example, a pit boss may desire to observe the terminals in actionwhile inputting commands on the wireless device 722. The wireless device722 may function as a mobile input device for the server 700.

The wireless device 722 may include a display 728, which may be similarto the display 706 of the server 700. The wireless device 722 mayinclude a storage medium 730. For example, the storage medium 730 may beany machine-readable medium, such as random access memory; a hard disk,flash memory, or any other medium. The storage medium 730 may be used tostore data required by the wireless device 722 or the user. The wirelessdevice 722 may include an input device 732, which may be similar to theinput device 710 of the server 700. The wireless device 722, may includea wireless interface 724, which may be configured to interface with thewireless interface 704, thus providing communications between thewireless device 722 and the server 700.

It will be understood that there may be intermediaries between thewireless interface 724 of the wireless device 722 and the wirelessinterface 704 of the server 700. For example, there may be routers andrepeaters used to improve the range of the wireless communicationsbetween the server 700 and the wireless device 722.

The server 700 may also be configured to include a supervisor. Forexample, the supervisor may be required approve any changes to gameterminal settings of the terminals. In this embodiment, configurechanges may be inputted by the user at the server 700 or the wirelessdevice 722, and the supervisor may approve the game terminal settingchanges by providing identification information to the server 700 orremotely, such as from the wireless device 722.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example video lottery terminal, in accordance withan example embodiment of the present invention. For example, the VLT maybe a terminal designed to provide a game of chance to a player, such asa video slot game, a video poker game, a video keno game, or any othervideo wagering game. It will be understood that the VLT can be replacedby any other video game terminal, such as a video slot machine terminal.In an alternative embodiment, the VLT may be a non-video game terminal,such as a mechanical reel slot machine. A mechanical reel slot machinemay replace the display screen with a quantity of reels which spin anddisplay symbols to the player. The VLT may be in communication with aserver. In one embodiment, all processing may be executed at the server,while the VLT receives user input, displays any output, and awards anyprizes. In another embodiment, the processing may be done by the VLT,while game terminal setting changes and other functionality may belocated at the server.

A video gaming machine 810 may be configured to conduct a game ofchance. For example, a game of chance may be a slot machine game, alottery, a video game, or another game of chance involving a wager. Forexample, the video gaming machine 810 may be a video poker gameterminal, a video slot machine, or a video game terminal. The videogaming machine 810 may be in communication with a server. Alternatively,the video gaming machine 810 may he a standard slot machine terminal.

The video gaming machine 810 may include a blinker 812. The blinker 812may enclose a light source configured to blink on and off For example,the blinker 812 may be configured to blink when a large prize is awardedfrom the video gaming machine 810.

The video gaming machine 810 May include a lighted display 814. Forexample, the lighted display 814 may include a logo, a game name orother visually attractive graphics. The lighted display 814 mayalternatively be a liquid crystal display screen. For example, thelighted display 814 may be configured to display graphics and text.

The video gaming machine 810 may include a display screen 816. Forexample, the display screen 816 may be a liquid crystal display screen(LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen. For example, the displayscreen 816 may enclose a viewable display area visible to a player.Alternatively, the display screen 816 may be a touch screen, configuredto accept player inputs of touching the screen.

The video gaming machine 810 may include a player's card accepter 818, aprinter 820 and a currency accepter 832. For example, the player's cardaccepter 818 may accept a frequent player's card. The frequent player'scard may include a player's identifying information and play history.Alternatively, the frequent player's card may include an identifier thatis associated with a player's identifying information and wager history.For example, the printer 820 may be configured to print a voucher orticket for the player. The currency accepter 832 may be configured toaccept cash bills in various denominations for a player's wager. Thecurrency accepter 832 may also be configured to accept printed vouchersand tickets.

The video gaming machine 810 may include input modules 822. For example,the input modules 822 may be a set of buttons. The input modules 822 maybe configured to receive input from a player during a game of chance.Other forms of input modules may be used, for example, a mouse-pointerdevice or a voice recognition module.

The video gaming machine 810 may include a dispenser tray 824 and adispenser 826. The dispenser 826 may be configured to dispense a prize.For example, a prize may be currency or a prize receipt redeemable at acashier. The dispenser tray 824 may be configured to catch the prizeafter it is dispensed.

The video gaming machine 810 may include openings 828, 834 and 836.Opening 828 may be configured to allow sound through. For example,interior speakers maybe located behind opening 828. The openings 834 and836 may he configured to allow ambient air to circulate into and out ofan interior of the video gaming machine 810. Ambient air circulation mayassist in maintaining an optimal operating temperature for the videogaming machine 810.

The video game machine 810 may include a latch 830. For example, thelatch 830 may be configured to release a front door of the video gamemachine 810 for opening. When the front door is opened, it may bepossible for a technician to access an interior of the video gamemachine 810 for upgrades or maintenance.

It will be appreciated that the procedures described above may beprovided in the form of machine-executable instructions stored on amachine-readable medium, such as a memory, flash memory, disk, opticalmemory, or other machine-readable medium. The procedures may be thusread from the medium and executed by a processor on a machine to performthe procedure.

In the preceding specification, the present invention has been describedwith reference to specific example embodiments thereof. It will,however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be madethereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of thepresent invention as set forth in the claims that follow. Thespecification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense.

1. A system for remotely controlling a wagering game terminal,comprising: an input device configured to receive a user inputindicative of a user selection of a game terminal setting and a triggercondition; a processor in communication with the input device, theprocessor configured to produce a terminal command signal based on theuser selection received by the input device, and responsive to anoccurrence of the trigger condition, to cause the terminal commandsignal to be transmitted to the terminal; and a display in communicationwith the processor, the display configured to display a graphical userinterface showing a schedule for terminal setting changes which is basedat least in part on the user selection received by the input device. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured toreceive a terminal status of the terminal, and the display is furtherconfigured to display the terminal status to the user.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the terminal status includes peripheral notificationsof the terminal.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger conditionis a start time.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger conditionis an event occurrence.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the event is astatus change of the terminal.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thegame terminal setting includes a pay table selection, a wagering gametheme selection, and a denomination selection for use at the terminal.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the game terminal setting includes adesired music volume and a music selection of the terminal.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the terminal command signal is transmittedresponsive to transmitting the terminal command signal to a supervisorfor review, and receiving an authorization from the supervisor.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured torequest an authorization from a supervisor prior to transmitting theterminal command signal, wherein the supervisor is not the user.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured todownload components to the game terminal, when the terminal commandsignal switches the terminal to a setting for which the terminal ismissing components.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aplurality of terminals.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein theplurality of terminals includes at least one subset of terminals, andeach terminal of the subset switches its setting responsive to receivingthe terminal command signal.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein theprocessor is further configured to, responsive to a user request,calculate a theoretical hold value and an actual hold value for theterminal over a specified time period.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the input device and display are part of a mobile wirelessdevice.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the mobile wireless deviceis in communication with the processor via a wireless network.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the schedule is depicted as amulti-dimensional graphical representation with an axis representingtime and another axis representing terminal settings.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the graphical user interface includes a representationof a timeline, and the user inputs a begin time by selecting a time onthe representation.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphicaluser display includes a representation of game terminal settings and theuser inputs the game terminal setting by selecting settings on therepresentation.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor isfurther configured to cause a default command signal to be transferredto the terminal responsive to an ending trigger condition. 21-41.(canceled)